Car Shipping from the UK to Bahrain — RoRo & Container to Khalifa Bin Salman Port
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1048
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Bahrain via RoRo and container services to Bahrain port, with approximately 33 days transit and one sailing per month. RoRo starts from £1,048. Bahrain drives on the right — only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. Import duty is 5% of CIF value. A 5-year vehicle age limit applies. We handle UK export documentation.
Efficient Car Shipping From UK to Bahrain
Car shipping from UK to Bahrain connects you to a modern Gulf island nation with a vibrant expatriate community and a strong demand for imported vehicles. As a key financial and commercial hub, the Port of Khalifa Bin Salman is the primary gateway for vehicle imports, serving both residents and businesses. Understanding Bahrain’s specific import regulations is essential for a smooth and compliant shipment.
Left-Hand Drive Vehicles Only
Bahrain drives on the right. Only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be imported for road registration in Bahrain. UK-registered vehicles are right-hand drive and cannot be registered on Bahraini roads. If you are shipping a UK car to Bahrain, the vehicle must be LHD. Before booking your shipment, confirm your vehicle’s steering configuration. Contact Ship Cars Ltd if you need guidance on sourcing a LHD vehicle in the UK or Europe for export to Bahrain.
Why Ship Your Car to Bahrain?
Vehicles are shipped for a range of purposes, including commercial trade and resale of both classic and modern cars. With Ship Cars Ltd, UK expatriates and returning residents frequently ship their cars due to their sentimental importance. Tourists or individuals planning long-term holidays also rely on Car Shipping Company to ship their vehicles, allowing them to explore their destination without the hassle of rental cars.
What Car Shipping Options We Offer
At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RORO) which is highly cost effective and container shipping including Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
Transit time: Approximately 33 days port-to-port from the UK to Bahrain. Ship Cars Ltd sails once per month from UK departure ports. Including UK collection, port-in processing, and Bahraini customs clearance after arrival, allow 6–8 weeks total from booking to the vehicle being available in Bahrain. Vessels depart from Southampton with approximately one sailing per month direct to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Electric vehicles cannot be shipped to Bahrain via RoRo — maritime safety regulations prohibit EVs on roll-on/roll-off vessels. EVs must travel by Full Container Load (FCL) dedicated container only. A hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies and the battery must be charged below 50% at the point of loading. Standard hybrid (non-plug-in) vehicles are accepted on RoRo without restriction. Contact Ship Cars Ltd to confirm EV container availability and current pricing.
What Your Car Shipping Service Includes
When you book your Bahrain shipment with shipcars.co.uk, our comprehensive service covers:
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Origin port charges and handling fees in the UK.
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Ocean freight on reliable carrier lines directly to the Port of Khalifa Bin Salman.
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Essential documentation, including the Bill of Lading.
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Expert support and tracking from collection to departure.
Please Note: Bahraini import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and all local port/agent charges are not included in our shipping quote. These are payable directly to the Bahrain Customs Affairs and your appointed local agent upon the vehicle’s arrival.
What Are Bahrain Import Rules: Key Regulations
Compliance with Bahraini customs regulations is essential. Key rules include:
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Vehicle Age Limit: Bahrain has a 5-year age limit from the date of manufacture. Importing vehicles older than five years is generally prohibited.
“Verify the current age restriction with Bahrain Customs Affairs (customs.gov.bh) before booking, as import policies are subject to revision.”
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GCC Specifications: Vehicles must typically meet Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) specifications. These include adaptations for the hot climate, such as larger radiators and air conditioning systems.
European-specification vehicles are generally accepted in Bahrain, provided they meet local emissions and safety standards. Vehicles manufactured specifically for GCC markets may have easier customs clearance due to built-in climate adaptations. Your Bahraini customs agent will advise on any modifications required for your specific vehicle.”
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Import Duties: A flat 5% customs duty is levied on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) of the vehicle.
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Right-Hand Drive: Bahrain drives on the right. Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import.
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Pre-Shipment Inspection: A pre-shipment inspection may be required to verify the vehicle’s age, condition, and value. We will advise on the current requirements for your shipment.
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Emissions Standards: The vehicle should comply with local emissions standards. Your appointed agent in Bahrain can provide specific guidance.
Please Do Read: Marine Insurance for Vehicle Shipping
What Are Essential Import Documents Checklist
You or your appointed clearing agent in Bahrain will require these original documents:
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Original Bill of Lading.
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Original Vehicle Registration Document (V5C Logbook for UK vehicles).
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Commercial Invoice stating the vehicle’s purchase price or declared value.
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Certificate of Marine Insurance.
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Copy of Your Passport and relevant residency visa (CPR or work permit).
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Certificate of Origin for the vehicle.
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Any required Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates.
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Freight Certificate/Invoice.
Crucial Advice: Engaging a reputable, licensed customs clearing agent in Bahrain is highly recommended. They will manage the entire clearance process, ensure all local regulations are met, and handle the payment of the 5% duty and other fees on your behalf.
Cost & Transit Summary
Here is a clear overview for shipping a standard small car to Bahrain.
Shipping Cost (Example) |
From £1,048 for a small car via RORO (all-inclusive of our listed services). |
Insurance |
“Total Loss cover: 1% of declared vehicle value. Comprehensive cover: 1.5% of vehicle value. Comprehensive cover recommended for all Bahrain shipments.” |
Total Transit Time |
Approximately 33 days from UK departure port to arrival in Bahrain. |
Sailing Frequency |
Regular sailings, with vessels departing once per month. |
Collection Service |
Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options. |
Local Taxes & Duties |
Payable in Bahrain. This includes the 5% customs duty and all agent/port clearance fees. |
Read more about UK Documents Needed for Shipping
We also provide efficient and reliable car shipping services to:
Ship Your Car to Bahrain with Ship Cars Ltd
Shipping from the UK to Bahrain involves navigating GCC type approval requirements, a 5% customs duty assessment at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, and confirming your vehicle is left-hand drive before booking — Bahrain drives on the right and RHD vehicles cannot be registered for road use. Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK side completely, from vehicle collection and export documentation to Bill of Lading and sailing confirmation. Our team will advise on your vehicle’s eligibility, confirm the next available sailing to Bahrain, and connect you with experienced Bahraini clearing agents. Get a free quote today and we will confirm pricing and your next sailing within 24 hours.
Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.
FAQs
Q1: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Bahrain?
Shipping a car from the UK to Bahrain via RoRo starts from £1,048 for a standard car. Full container load (FCL) shipping is available for electric vehicles and high-value cars at a higher rate. These prices cover UK port to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain only. Bahrain customs duty (5% of CIF value), port handling charges, and clearing agent fees are payable separately in Bahrain on arrival.
Q2: How long does car shipping from the UK to Bahrain take?
Transit from the UK to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain takes approximately 33 days. We operate one sailing per month from Southampton UK. Including UK collection, port-in processing, and Bahraini customs clearance after arrival, allow 6–8 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available in Bahrain.
Q3: Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Bahrain?
No. Bahrain drives on the right and only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be imported for road registration. UK vehicles are right-hand drive and cannot be registered for road use in Bahrain. Before booking a shipment to Bahrain, confirm your vehicle is left-hand drive. If you need guidance on sourcing a LHD vehicle for export to Bahrain, contact our team.
Q4: What import duty will I pay when shipping a car to Bahrain?
Bahrain charges a flat 5% customs duty on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) of the imported vehicle. No VAT is levied on vehicle imports in Bahrain. The 5% duty is calculated by Bahrain Customs Affairs on arrival and is payable through your appointed Bahraini clearing agent. Verify the current duty rate at customs.gov.bh before importing.
Q5: What is the maximum vehicle age for import into Bahrain?
Bahrain currently applies a 5-year age limit from the date of manufacture for standard vehicle imports. A vehicle manufactured in 2020 would generally be ineligible for standard import from 2026 onwards. Always verify the current age restriction with Bahrain Customs Affairs before purchasing a vehicle specifically for import, as policies are subject to revision.
